First Baptist Church (Montgomery, Alabama)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
 
 
 
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you
may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  —  Romans 15:13
 
 
During Christmas hope is often defined by what type of gift the children hope to receive. Children hope for all kinds of gifts, new bikes, dolls, iPads or Xbox. The real hope is not what is in a box but what is wrapped inside our hearts. If we have Jesus in our heart nothing else really matters. Christmas is a time for us to give thanks for the hope in Christ Jesus.
 
Our family has a tradition that we started when our children were small. On Christmas morning when the children wake up they come running into our room to get their mother and me up, but no one is allowed in the den until we’ve had time together. We start the day, not by opening presents and playing with toys, but sitting quietly on our bed taking turns reading in the book of Luke about the birth of Jesus. Next, we have a time of prayer giving thanks for the birth of Jesus. This Christmas try starting the day with Scripture rather than with Santa. 
 

May God Bless Your Family This Christmas!
Brent, Dana, Peyton, Caroline and Lilla Kate Parkman